5 moves that prove Titans have a better GM than Rams, Chargers & Colts
By Ravi Konjeti
#4 Cutting ties with Mike Mularkey
In what may be Robinson’s gutsiest move, he decided to cut ties with head coach Mike Mularkey after the 2017 season. Mularkey led the Titans to their first playoff appearance in nearly 10 seasons, which seemed to guarantee him an extension as the head coach.
However, it was clear that Mularkey had peaked. The team’s “exotic smashmouth” offense had faded and Mariota’s development seemed to have stalled. It was clear that the Titans needed a change in identity.
Most franchises and general managers would have rewarded a playoff appearance however Robinson made the tough call to part ways with Mularkey. He accurately read the ceiling of this coaching staff and decided that the talent on this team was rising to its full potential.
Robinson then brought in first-time head coach Mike Vrabel to lead the team. While Vrabel’s first season ended with the team narrowly missing the playoffs, the team seemed to have stepped up its game, played with better edge and mechanics, and reduced sloppiness. In his second season, Vrabel took the Titans to the AFC Championship game.
Robinson’s tough call raised the ceiling of the franchise and allowed the team to build on past success. Vrabel has given this team a belief that just didn’t exist under Mularkey and credit has to go to Robinson here for bringing him in.